David Perez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #26 prospect in 2012
  After signing for $425,000 in 2009, Perez starred in the Dominican Summer League the following year. He then dominated during extended spring training in 2011, so Texas decided to push him to the Northwest League. He was the circuit's youngest pitcher, an 18-year-old facing predominantly collegeaged hitters. He recorded eight swinging strikeouts in the first three innings of his U.S. debut but couldn't retire another batter in that appearance. The problems in that start continued for the remainder of the season, as he lost his release point, his control and his confidence as he struggled to repeat his delivery. Despite his struggles, Perez has a lofty ceiling with a projectable 6-foot-5 frame and a live arm. His fastball ranges from 90-96 mph, touching 98 on occasion. His long limbs and impressive extension make his heater explode on hitters. His curveball has risen from 69-72 mph to 75-78, and the harder offering has good depth and bite, though he falls in love with it at times. His changeup regressed last year, but that was the least of his problems. Perez did a better job of harnessing his stuff in instructional league, so he could make a jump to low Class A with a strong spring training.
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  Ranked Texas Rangers #11 prospect in 2011
  Perez's velocity was up and down as an amateur, and the Rangers signed him for $425,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2009 on the strength of his projectability. His stock soared during his dominating pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, as his riding fastball sat consistently at 88-93 mph and he pounded the strike zone with three pitches. He was one of the major stories of Texas' instructional league camp after running his fastball up to 95 mph in one-inning stints. Perez's mid-70s curveball has good spin, and though it's currently a below-average major league offering, it projects as a potential plus pitch once he adds some power to it. He also has good feel for a changeup, which could give him a third average-or-better offering. Perez has a loose, easy delivery and does a good job of throwing downhill. His command and feel for pitching are advanced for his age, and he emerged as a leader of the DSL Rangers staff. He needs to add 10-15 pounds to his lean frame, and when he does he could become an elite pitching prospect. The Rangers expect him to jump to Spokane in 2011, and some club officials expect to see him at Hickory by the end of the season.